Savings on electricity bills: how to get a £170 discount per year.

According to The Sun: Using household appliances at night can help save up to £170 on energy bills annually.

This is possible if you use the Economy 7 tariff, which offers lower electricity prices at night.

Typically, these tariffs provide discounted electricity rates for seven or ten hours at night, while the cost during the day is significantly higher.

These tariffs can be beneficial for individuals who fit the 'owl' description or simply have the ability to carry out household chores by running the washing or dishwasher at night.

They can also be useful if your home does not have gas heating or if you use a storage heater.

The price comparison site Uswitch reported details of the savings that can be achieved by using appliances at night.

The hours considered day and night may vary depending on your provider.

Typically, night lasts from 00:00 to 07:00, while day lasts from 07:00 to 00:00.

Savings on household appliances

Running the washing machine four times a week will cost you about 89 pence a day on the Economy 7 tariff. At night, these costs drop to about 43 pence, nearly half the price.

Some washing machine models allow you to schedule the cycle to finish in the morning when you wake up.

Drying clothes three times a week costs about £2.83 during the day, but at night will only set you back £1.36, saving you £1.47 a week.

Using the dishwasher seven times a week saves you £1.73 during the day, but at night you’ll only pay 83 pence, saving 90 pence a week.

If you use the microwave for 30 minutes a day, the costs are 87 pence during the day, while at night it’s only 42 pence, allowing for another saving of 90 pence a week.

While these amounts may seem insignificant, in a year they can add up to £170.56. Other appliances can also be utilized to save at night.

If you have an electric car, you can save by charging it at night, or program the heater to charge while you sleep.

However, it is important to remember that you should not use appliances while sleeping as this can be dangerous.

Ensure that you have working smoke alarms on every floor of your home, and that electrical sockets are not overloaded. It is important that all appliances are in good condition, and elements such as filters are regularly cleaned.

What is a Time-of-Use Tariff?

Economy 7 or 10 tariffs offer different electricity rates depending on the time of day.

Economy 7 tariffs are very popular and they typically offer discounts from midnight to 07:00 in the morning.

The main advantage is that by saving during discount hours, you can significantly reduce your overall electricity costs.

These tariffs are designed mainly for households that use only electricity, without gas.

To connect to an Economy 7 tariff, you will need either a smart meter or a special Economy 7 meter installed in your home.

If you think that the Economy 7 or 10 tariff is suitable for you, make sure to compare offers and tariffs.

This can be done through price comparison websites like Go Compare or Uswitch.

Ben Gallizzi, energy expert at Uswitch.com, noted that these tariffs are becoming 'increasingly popular'. He warned: 'It is important to remember that you will usually pay more for electricity during the day under the Economy 7 tariff than under the standard price cap tariff. If you are on one of these tariffs, make sure everyone in your family knows when the tariff is cheaper and when it is more expensive, as a mistake could lead to extra costs. The average daytime rate for Economy 7 is 31.2 pence per kWh of electricity, which is more than twice the average night rate of 15 pence. This daytime rate is also 21% higher than the single rate of 25.73 pence on the standard tariff.

4 ways to lower your energy bills

Laura Court-Jones, small business editor at Bionic shared her tips.

1. Lower the heating temperature by one degree

This minor temperature change may not even affect your comfort, but you will notice the savings on your energy bills. Just one simple solution can reduce your heating costs by £171.70.

2. Turn off household appliances and lights

This may seem simple, but completely turning off appliances and lights when not needed can significantly reduce your costs, especially in winter. This step can save you up to £20 a year.

3. Install a smart meter

Smart meters are a great way to monitor your electricity consumption, as they allow you to see when and how much gas and electricity you use.

4. Consider switching energy suppliers

Even if you are satisfied with your supplier, they may not be offering you the best deals, especially if you haven't checked new rates after your contract ends. If you haven’t recently considered alternatives, you may be unaware of better options.

It is essential to emphasize that information about Economy 7 tariffs is important for those seeking to lower their energy costs. Given the rising prices of electricity, utilizing such tariffs could be an effective solution for Ukrainian households that have a flexible schedule for using devices. It is important to follow expert recommendations regarding safety and energy efficiency to avoid potential risks and maintain comfort in the home.